Dr. Anil Sharma, MD

Dr. Anil Sharma, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at UF Health Endoscopy Suite - Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 265-3636 to schedule.

Dr. Sharma is an associate professor in the University of Florida Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, with a particular focus on celiac disease and hereditary forms of GI cancers. His extensive experience includes treating patients with refractory H. pylori infections, neuroendocrine tumors, sclerosing mesenteritis, and CVID-related GI illnesses. He also has expertise in diagnosing and managing patients with mast cell activation and hypermobility syndromes. He earned his medical degree from Catholic Medical Center and completed a gastroenterology residency there, along with a hepatology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Anil Sharma is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Anil Sharma can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Anil Sharma provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Gastric Ulcer: Managing risk factors such as H. pylori infection and excessive alcohol consumption is key to preventing the development of gastric ulcers.
• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.
• Hepatitis A: Managing the risk of Hepatitis A through vaccination or practicing good hygiene safeguards your liver and the rest of your digestive system.
• Lactose Intolerance: Understanding your body's response to lactose allows for proactive management, reducing symptoms and preventing complications down the line.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• Viral Enteritis: Preventing the spread of viral enteritis through vaccination and sanitation practices safeguards the health of your entire digestive system and community.
• Hemochromatosis: Early diagnosis of hemochromatosis through genetic testing and bloodwork is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage and improving overall health outcomes.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: A diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, can cause heartburn and other issues, highlighting the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent complications.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Alcoholic cirrhosis can be slowed or prevented by reducing alcohol consumption and making healthy lifestyle choices, promoting overall digestive well-being.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Properly managing gastrointestinal malabsorption is vital for preventing malnutrition and other complications; proactive healthcare, including regular screenings and dietary adjustments, can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Preventative care plays a key role in managing esophageal motility disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and prevent severe complications such as esophageal rupture.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Anil Sharma offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Bile Duct Procedure: A bile duct procedure can help detect and address problems like blockages or infections early, improving your liver and pancreas health.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: As a proactive measure to address digestive issues, this procedure uses a small tube to place a stent, opening narrowed or blocked passages and reducing the risk of serious complications.
• pH Probe: This simple test involves a small sensor that monitors stomach acid, providing valuable information for preventing or managing conditions affecting your esophagus and stomach.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Anil Sharma is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing lifestyle factors and undergoing necessary testing, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a gastric ulcer, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.
• Recognizing the importance of early intervention, a patient proactively addressed persistent abdominal pain, leading to an accurate diagnosis and a tailored plan to effectively manage digestive issues and prevent long-term complications.
• By getting vaccinated and practicing meticulous hand hygiene, a family significantly reduced their risk of contracting Hepatitis A, ensuring their digestive health remained strong and protected.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Anil Sharma:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Sharma will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, it's important to manage NAFLD to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Sharma can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly examine the colon, identify and remove any polyps, and confirm the diagnosis. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

UF Health Endoscopy Suite - Shands Hospital
1515 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 265-3636

Dr. Anil Sharma, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1609898618

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Anil Sharma are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.